Attempted murder suspect held on $50g cash bail

SOMERSWORTH — The Middleton man charged with attempted murder after a September shooting incident remains held on $50,000 cash bail after his arraignment Thursday morning.

Christopher Smart, 27, formerly of 740 Route 153 in Middleton, appeared at Strafford County Superior Court Thursday to face multiple charges, alleging he fired a gun twice in the direction of a person at Sherwood Glen Mobile Home Park on Sept. 17.

Police say when they responded to a report of a disturbance that evening, they made contact with three people in the driveway, and then heard two gunshots from inside the mobile home.

According to police, while inside the home Smart fired a handgun “in the direction” of a 26-year-old man, who was not injured in the incident.

During Thursday’s arraignment via video, a not-guilty plea was entered for Smith’s charges on his behalf. Smart did not have an attorney present during the hearing.

Assistant County Attorney Amy Feliciano said Smart’s criminal history dates back to 2003, and his prior offenses include operating after suspension, breach of bail, failure to appear in court, criminal trespass, and simple assault.

While Smith requested to have bail allowing payment through cash or surety, Judge John Lewis ordered $50,000 cash only bail.

Police say that after the shooting incident in September, Smart fled the scene, but was then arrested less than three hours later at the Route 108 Irving gas station.

On Jan. 17, a grand jury indicted Smart on attempted murder and attempted first-degree assault charges in connection to the shooting, both Class A felonies, as well as a reckless conduct charge, Class B felony.

Smart was also indicted on two counts of falsifying physical evidence, Class B felonies, alleging he concealed the firearm he used and the clothing he was wearing by throwing those items in the trash, with the purpose to impede the police investigation.